Lost amidst all the Chris Johnson contract talk this offseason is whether the diminutive third-year running back can be in top form after registering a league-high 408 touches in 2009. ESPN the Magazine recently pointed out that 41 running backs in NFL history have had over 400 touches in a season. On average, those running backs have endured 99 fewer touches the following season.

Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger isn’t concerned. Asked by The Tennessean if he’d like to lighten Johnson’s load, Heimerdinger said, "I don't know. I don't have that in my mind, really. The ball doesn't weigh that much … You always go into the season hoping to be real balanced (between the run and the pass) and not real heavy run. You'd like to be 50-50, but I think the games and what happens in the game will determine how many times he'll carry. So I don't have that answer right off the bat. When you hand it to a guy and he's averaging six yards a carry, it's easier to give it to him again."

If the Titans find more rest for Johnson, they’ll likely have to turn to other undersized scat backs. Last year’s fifth-round pick, Javon Ringer, is 5’9”, 205. So is Alvin Pearman. The absence of a true power runner could bode well for undrafted rookie LeGarrette Blount, the 241-pound bruiser from Oregon who is trying to climb from fourth string to second or third.

Even without his star RB Chris Johnson around because of a contract dispute, Titans coach Jeff Fisher said today the offensive backfield is “in good shape." Still, he didn’t rule out the possibility of adding a veteran running back to round out the unit.

Though he declined to discuss his recent relationship with Johnson – who told ESPN Monday that he’d like to make $30-40 million in guaranteed money, as opposed to the $550,000 he’ll be paid this season – Fisher said that Javon Ringer has had a “real good offseason” (we detailed Ringer here Monday) while also praising Alvin Pearman and free agent rookies LeGarrette Blount and Stafon Johnson.

When asked if Johnson has fallen behind, Fisher basically said that was true. He hasn’t been conditioning with his teammates, and he hasn’t worked with new RB coach Kennedy Pola either. Not that it would take him much time to catch up and, theoretically, begin dominating the game again. But still, Fisher would like him around.

Told that Johnson wants to be paid at least $30 million, Fisher flashed a smile and said, “So would I.”

--Josh Katzowitz

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @cbssportsnfl on Twitter.

If anybody is benefitting from Titans RB Chris Johnson’s continued absence from Tennessee’s offseason workouts, it’s got to be second-year RB Javon Ringer, who’s been receiving plenty of work without Johnson around. He seems to be leaving a positive impression.

"I think this has been really good for Javon," offensive coordinator Mike Heimderdinger told John Glennon of the Tennessean . "Javon had like his redshirt year (as a rookie). He carried the ball a lot of times in college. His running ability is really good.

"(But) this has been really good for him to learn the passing game, and if there’s one thing Javon was behind on last year, it was the passing game and protection. That took a little time and he didn’t have much background in that and what they did up there (at Michigan State). So this has been good for him to learn what we want from him and the protections and all that."

Ringer didn’t get much work last season behind Johnson – the two-time Pro Bowler who rushed for 2,006 yards and 14 touchdowns last year. Instead, Ringer played in seven games, rushing the ball eight times for 48 yards and not catching a pass.

Coming out of Michigan State, Ringer was a well-regarded prospect, though he measures a little short (he’s listed at 5-foot-9) and he was seen more as a change-of-pace back that could complement a more bruising teammate. He didn’t have a great Combine, which is probably why he fell into the fifth round of the Draft.

But he’s getting his chance now without Johnson around, and he seems to be impressing the Tennessee coaching staff. And since Lendale White isn't with the team any more, Ringer could slide right into position to be Johnson's backup.

--Josh Katzowitz

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @cbssportsnfl on Twitter.